Fish Antifreeze Proteins: Recent Gene Evolution

Abstract

A variety of antifreeze proteins is produced by marine teleosts inhabiting polar regions to ensure protection from internal ice formation at subzero temperatures. Combining evidence from paleoclimatology, teleostian evolution, and studies of antifreeze gene organization, the case is made for Cenozoic cooling as the force driving antifreeze evolution in marine teleosts. The distribution of antifreeze types amongst teleost suborders, families, genera, and species correlates with Cenzoic glaciation in the Southern Hemisphere preceding that in the Northern Hemisphere by approximately 25 million yr. The genomic organization of antifreeze genes suggests recent and extensive amplification, an event compatible with their proposed stress-induced origin. Also, a realignment of the nototheniids with the Gadiformes based on antifreeze protein data is suggested.